Basta joined Udinese in 2008 from Red Star Belgrade, though had a less than smooth introduction to life in Italy.

He was immediately sent on loan to Lecce for the 2008/09 campaign before returning to Udinese in time for the 2009/10 season.

Basta featured sporadically, struggling to hold down a spot in his preferred defensive position, but still managing to carve a place amongst Udinese’s first team squad.

However, the Serbian would miss the entire 2010/11 campaign through injury in an unfortunate turn of events which left him unable to build on his good work. He did cement a regular spot with Udinese last season though, clocking up 31 appearances in Serie A.

And Basta’s good form has continued this season, with Italian giants Inter having already begun to pay close attention to his progress under coach Francesco Guidolin.

Now though another interested party has emerged onto the scene in the shape of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal.

The Gunners are thought to be compiling a list of possible replacements for right-back Bacary Sagna, who has cut an unhappy figure at the Emirates Stadium of late.